Benefits Eligibility Guide

Wisconsin Government Benefits

Find out which federal and state benefits you qualify for in Wisconsin. Free, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes.

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Wisconsin Benefits Programs

Here are the major programs available to Wisconsin residents.

BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid)

Has not expanded Medicaid

Adults: up to 0% FPL

Children: up to 306% FPL

Pregnant: up to 306% FPL

FoodShare Wisconsin (Food Assistance)

Gross income limit: 200% FPL

Net income limit: 130% FPL

Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) (Energy Assistance)

Income limit: 60% SMI

Helps with heating and cooling costs

Child Care Assistance (Childcare)

Income limit: 85% SMI

Subsidized childcare for working families

Wisconsin Works (W-2) (Cash Assistance)

Lifetime limit: 60 months

Cash assistance for families with children

WIC (Nutrition)

Income limit: 185% FPL

For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals and children under 5

Healthcare.gov (ACA)

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statePage.phone: 1-800-318-2596

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Wisconsin SHIP / Medigap Helpline

statePage.phone: 1-800-242-1060

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statePage.stateSupplement: $96/statePage.month

statePage.phone: 1-800-772-1213

Plus: ACA Health Insurance Subsidies, EITC, Child Tax Credit, SSI, SSDI, Pell Grants, VA Benefits, School Meals, Head Start, and more.

Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.

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Wisconsin Benefits Guides

In-depth articles about specific programs in Wisconsin.

How to Apply for SNAP in Wisconsin

Step-by-step guide to applying for FoodShare (SNAP) in Wisconsin, including 2025-2026 income limits, required documents, and benefit amounts by household size.

April 11, 2026

Wisconsin ACA Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Subsidies, and How to Apply

Learn who qualifies for Wisconsin ACA health insurance in 2026, including income limits by household size, how subsidies work after enhanced credits expired, and step-by-step enrollment instructions.

April 3, 2026

How to Apply for Section 8 in Wisconsin

Step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Wisconsin. Learn about income limits, required documents, waiting lists, and how to find your local housing authority.

March 22, 2026

How to Apply for Medicaid in Wisconsin (BadgerCare Plus Guide 2026)

Step-by-step guide to applying for Medicaid (BadgerCare Plus) in Wisconsin. Learn about income limits, eligibility requirements, required documents, and how to apply online through ACCESS.

March 4, 2026

Wisconsin Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, BadgerCare Plus, and How to Apply

Learn about Wisconsin Medicaid eligibility for 2026, including BadgerCare Plus income limits, who qualifies, how to apply through ACCESS, and step-by-step enrollment instructions.

February 22, 2026

Wisconsin ACA Benefits and Coverage: Your Complete Guide for 2026

Learn about Wisconsin ACA benefits and coverage, including essential health benefits, premium subsidies, income limits, and how to enroll through the federal marketplace at Healthcare.gov.

February 21, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What government benefits am I eligible for in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin residents may qualify for programs including BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid), FoodShare Wisconsin (food assistance), LIHEAP energy assistance, childcare subsidies, tax credits like EITC and CTC, and more. Eligibility depends on your household size, income, and other factors. Use our free screener to check all programs at once.

How do I apply for BadgerCare Plus in Wisconsin?

You can apply for BadgerCare Plus online at https://access.wisconsin.gov or by calling 1-800-362-3002. Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid. Children may qualify up to 306% FPL and pregnant individuals up to 306% FPL.

How do I apply for FoodShare Wisconsin (food stamps) in Wisconsin?

Apply for FoodShare Wisconsin online at https://access.wisconsin.gov or call 1-800-362-3002. Wisconsin uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, so the gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. Net income must be at or below 130% FPL.